Integrated storage bin and ladder system

ABSTRACT

A storage bin is integrated into a ladder, providing secure storage for tools or other items used when working on a ladder. The storage bin is attached to the top step of the ladder. On the upper surface of the ladder is a storage bin lid which opens to reveal the contents of the storage bin. The storage bin lid is securely held in the closed position by a latching mechanism. The storage bin may also include pockets or storage trays for tools or fasteners.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention relates generally to storage systems andladders. More particularly, the present invention relates to the fieldof providing portable storage for tools and other devices used inconnection with a ladder.

RELATED BACKGROUND

The use of ladders with tools and other devices is common andwidespread. Typically, a ladder is used to provide access to aparticular area where a tool or other device is to be used. Whileladders have inherent hazards, the use of tools and equipment with aladder adds to the dangers and inconvenience of using ladders.Typically, the ladder user needs to climb the ladder with the tool orequipment, and often needs to change the location of the ladder tocontinue work. The process of climbing the ladder while holding tools orother objects increases the chances of an accident.

When the ladder user is using the tool there is often a need to put thetool or equipment down, perhaps switching to another tool. One of thesteps of the ladder is frequently employed to rest tools or otherobjects with awkward shapes which are often unsteady resting on the stepof the ladder. Without a secure place to rest the tool the chances of anaccident are increased. Additionally, the frequent need to move theladder to a new location often results in the hazard of moving a ladderwith the tool or other object resting precariously on the top step ofthe ladder.

Shelves, bags and other devices are available and provide some level ofstorage and convenience. Typical ladder shelves provide a place to resttools or equipment, but are vulnerable to accidents if the ladder ismoved without removing the equipment from the shelf.

A ladder pouch, similar to a tool belt worn by workmen, is described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,450,337 B1 issued to Campagna and DeMange. This type ofpouch is strapped to a ladder and is specifically designed to hold handtools, specifically screwdrivers, hammers, etc., and is designed to beinstalled on the cross supports on the back of the ladder. In additionto the awkward positioning on the back of the ladder, this ladder pouchis not easily adapted to hold or support large or bulky items.Additionally, this ladder pouch must be securely fastened to the ladderby the workman, which is both time consuming and introduces hazards ifthe installation is either improperly done or becomes undone at a latertime.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a conventional ladder 1. A top rung 2of the ladder is securely fastened to, and supported by, main legs 3.The main legs of the ladder are securely fastened to secondary legs 4 ofthe ladder. The secondary legs are attached in a manner to allow them tobe collapsed against the main legs of the ladder for storage ortransportation of the ladder, as is common in conventional ladders.Secondary rungs 5, or steps, of the ladder are securely fastened betweenthe main legs of the ladder to provide a secure, stable platform for aperson (i.e. a ladder user) to place their foot when climbing orstanding on the ladder. The main legs and the secondary legs of theladder provide support to the steps, allowing the weight of a workman tobe securely supported. Typically, the legs of the ladder have a foot(not shown) attached to the bottom of the legs of the ladder to supportthe ladder on a floor. Stabilization rungs 6 provide support andstructural rigidity and are attached to the secondary legs.

Accordingly, a need exists to provide safe and convenient storage fortools and other objects used in connection with ladders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical ladder of the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a ladder with an integrated compartment,in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a ladder with an integrated storagecompartment, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a ladder with an integrated storage compartmentillustrating a storage compartment lid in an open position, inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a ladder with a integratedstorage compartment, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional side view of a ladder with an integratedstorage pouch attached by support rails, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the top rung of the ladder shown in FIG. 6A,in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional side view off a ladder with an integratedstorage pouch attached by a support loop, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 7B is a bottom view of the top rung of the ladder shown in FIG. 7A,in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7C is a side cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of therail loop support system, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7D is an expanded side cross-sectional view of the rail loopsupport system of FIG. 7C, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional side view off a ladder with an integratedstorage pouch attached by a support clamp, in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 8B is a bottom view of the top rung of the ladder shown in FIG. 8A,in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional side view off a ladder with an integratedstorage pouch attached by support tacks, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the top rung and storage pouch shown inFIG. 9A, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a ladder with a removable integratedstorage pouch, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the ladder shown in FIG. 10Aillustrating the storage bin removed from the ladder in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 10C is a side sectional view of the ladder and storage bin as shownin FIGS. 10A and 10B, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention illustrating a ladder with a removable integrated storage binformed to contain liquids, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the ladder shown in FIG. 11Aillustrating the removal of the liquid container storage bin, inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention illustrating a ladder having multiple storage pockets withinthe storage pouch and a drill bit holder on the top lid, in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention illustrating a ladder having multiple dividers within thestorage bin to create, in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 14 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention illustrating a ladder having a storage chest with multipleextracting storage trays, in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 15A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention illustrating a ladder having an alternate slide-locklatching mechanism to secure the top lid in the closed position, inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 15B is an expanded perspective view of the slide-lock latchingmechanism shown in FIG. 15A, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 15C is an expanded cross sectional view of the slide-lock latchingmechanism shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention where the storage pouch is integrated into a lower step of theladder, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention having a flap-closure system, in accordance with the presentinvention.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a safe and convenient storage binintegrated into a ladder for holding tools and other objects used with aladder. The ladder includes at least one step securely attached tosupport legs and a storage bin securely attached to one of the steps,wherein the storage bin is located below the attached step. The ladderalso includes a storage compartment lid, movably attached to the step ofthe ladder attached to the storage bin, the lid movably attached toallow opening and closing of the storage bin. The storage compartmentlid is movably attached to the step with a hinge. In one embodiment thestorage compartment is formed from a flexible material to form a storagepouch. In an alternative embodiment the storage pouch is supported byclamping the upper potion of the flexible material with a support clampsecurely fixed to the step of the ladder. The support clamp may beformed as an integral part of the step. In an alternative embodiment thestorage pouch is supported by a rail support system. The rail supportsystem may be formed from a rail loop, the rail loop supported by railloop supports, said rail loop supports securely fixed to the step. Therail support may be formed from flat rails, and wherein the flat railsare attached to the step by rivets. In one embodiment the rail supportsystem consists of at least two support rails, the support rails beingsecurely attached to the ladder by a rail support on either end of thesupport rail. The storage bin of the ladder may also include at leastone divider, said divider attached to the storage bin such that thestorage bin is segregated into two or more separate bins. The storagebin of the ladder may also include a storage tray formed to fit insidethe storage bin. The storage tray may be connected to the ladder by traysupports. A second storage tray may be connected to the first storagetray by tray supports. The tray supports may be attached to the storagetrays and to the ladder to allow the storage trays to swing to provideaccess to the contents of the storage bin.

In an alternate embodiment the ladder may have a removable storage binwherein the steps forms a storage bin support such that a removablestorage bin may be placed within the support formed by the step andsecurely supported by the storage bin support step. The support step maybe formed such that when a storage bin is placed in the support step theupper surface of the support step and the upper surface of the storagebin form a step suitable for use by a person using the ladder. Thesupport step may be formed such that when a storage bin is placed in thesupport step the upper surface of the support step and the upper surfaceof the storage bin form a step suitable for use by a person using theladder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is described in the context of a specificembodiment. This is done to facilitate the understanding of the featuresand principles of the present invention and the present invention is notlimited to this embodiment. In particular, the present invention isdescribed in the context of storage systems used in connection with aladder.

In the following figures like objects are provided with the sameidentifying number as an aid in understanding the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a ladder 10 with an integratedstorage bin 11. A top rung 12 of the ladder 11 has an integrated lid 13.The integrated lid functions as the top rung of the ladder when in theclosed position depicted in FIG. 2. The storage bin is located below thetop rung of the ladder between the main legs 14 of the ladder and placednot to interfere with a person stepping on the secondary rung 15 of theladder below the storage bin. Additionally, the placement of the storagebin is such that it does not interfere with collapsing of the secondarylegs 16, for storage or transport of the ladder. In the presentlypreferred embodiment, the storage bin extends approximately 11 inchesfrom the bottom of the top rung of the ladder.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ladder shown in FIG. 2, illustratingthe integrated lid 13 in the partial open position. The integrated lidis securely attached to the top rung of the ladder by a hinge 17, thehinge being securely fastened to both the top rung and to the integratedlid. The hinge allows the integrated lid to open to reveal the contentsof the storage bin. In the presently preferred embodiment, the hinge isfastened in a position so that when the integrated lid is in the closedposition the hinge does not protrude above the upper surface of the toprung of the ladder. In the presently preferred embodiment, the storagebin provides a rectangular storage space. Alternate embodiments of thepresent inventions could provide alternate shapes and sizes of storagebins suited to particular tools, equipment or uses of the ladder. Forexample, the storage bin could be round in shape, particularly adaptedto hold a paint can or wash bucket. Other sizes and shapes could be usedfor different tools or equipment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the ladder shown in FIG. 2. A lid latching tab18 extends from the end of the integrated lid 13, downward when the lidis in the closed position. As described in connection with FIG. 15, thelid latching tab is part of a latching mechanism to securely hold thelid in the closed position.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the ladder shown in FIG. 2. Theintegrated lid 13 is shown partially open. The secondary step 15 ispositioned below the bottom of the storage bin 11, with sufficientclearance between the bottom of the storage bin and the top, steppingsurface of the secondary step to allow a workman to step on thesecondary step without hitting or catching the workman's foot betweenthe storage bin and the secondary step. A secondary rung 19 attachedbetween the secondary legs is positioned such that it does not interferewith the collapsing of the secondary legs for storage or transport ofthe ladder.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional side view of a ladder as shown in FIGS. 2and 3 illustrating a rail support system. In the presently preferredembodiment, the storage bin is made of canvas. More particularly, thestorage bin forms a pouch made from a durable canvas cloth, particularlychosen to endure the use of the storage pouch for tools such as hammers,drills, cutting tools, as well as equipment such as nails, fixtures,caulking, glues, etc. As seen in FIG. 6A, the storage pouch is securelyfastened to the top rung by looping the upper portion of the storagepouch over support rails 20, and stitching the ends of the upper portionof the storage pouch to the body of the storage pouch as shown at pointA. In the presently preferred embodiment, four rails are used to securethe storage pouch, one rail on each of the four sides that make up theopening to the contents of the storage pouch framed by the top rung,thereby providing support for all four sides of the storage pouch. Thepositioning and attachment of the support rails is shown in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the top rung of the ladder shown in FIG. 6A.Both ends of the support rails are securely fastened to the top rung byrail supports 21. The rail supports are securely fastened to the toprung of the ladder. In the presently preferred embodiment, the railsupports are formed as a separate piece from the top rung of the ladderand securely fastened to the top run, for example, by screws, bolts,tongue and groove, boding or gluing, or any other suitable way ofsecurely fastening. The support rails 20 extend into the rail supports,thereby transferring the load of the rail supports to the top rung ofthe ladder. The rail supports are positioned in the four corners of theopening to the storage bin formed by the top rung. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 6A, the rail support in each corner support the end of twodifferent rails. Alternate embodiments of the present invention couldhave the rail supports attaching to only one rail.

FIG. 7A is a bottom view of the top rung of the ladder shown in FIGS. 2and 3 illustrating an alternate embodiment of a storage pouch supportsystem. A rail loop 22 is securely attached to the bottom side of thetop rung. The rail loop is formed as one continuous loop, providing fourstraight rail sections which function as rails supports as described inconnection with FIGS. 6A and 6B. In the presently preferred embodiment,at each corner rail loop attachment tabs 23 are securely attached to therail loop, or formed as part of the rail loop. The rail loop attachmenttabs provide a secure attachment to the top rung 12. The rail loopattachment tabs could be screwed, bolted, glued, or otherwise securelyfastened to the top rung of the ladder.

FIG. 7B is a side cross-sectional view of the rail loop support systemshown in FIG. 7A. As described above in connection with FIG. 6A, thestorage pouch is securely fastened to the support loop by looping theupper portion of the storage pouch 11 over the support loop 22, andattaching the ends the upper portion of the storage pouch to the body ofthe storage pouch at point A. The attachment tabs 23 extend from thesupport loop to securely fasten to the top rung 12.

FIGS. 7C and 7D illustrate a side cross-sectional view of an alternateembodiment of the rail loop support system. A support loop 24 is formedfrom a metal strips, or bars, to form an integrated support loop. In thepresently preferred embodiment, the bars are ¼″ inch aluminum flat stockwelded together at their ends to form a support loop of the approximatesize and shape of the opening in the top rung 24 of the ladder. Theupper ends of the storage pouch 11 are looped, or folded, over thesupport loop and attached to itself (the storage pouch) at point B. Inthe preferred embodiment the attachment at point B is made throughsewing the upper ends of the storage pouch to the main body of thestorage pouch. Alternate embodiments could use other forms of attachmentsuch as the use of adhesives or heat bonding. In this manner the storagepouch is securely attached to the support loop to prevent the weight ofthe contents of the storage pouch from pulling the upper ends out fromthe support loop. The support loop 24 is placed against the top rung 12and secure to the top rung.

FIG. 7D is an expanded view of the cross section of the support systemshown in FIG. 7C. FIG. 7D illustrates an alternate, and presentlypreferred, system of securing the support loop to the top rung.Specifically, rivets 25 pass through holes in the top rung, through thestorage pouch, through the support loop 24 and again through the storagepouch 11, the storage pouch looping over the support loop 24. In thepresently preferred embodiment the top rung is formed from a moldedplastic and the rivets ends 26 contacting the top rung are flush withthe exterior surface of the top rung. The support loop providesadditional structural rigidity to the top rung of the ladder, tocompensate for any loss of structural rigidity from the opening in thetop run to access the contents of the storage pouch.

While the support loop of FIGS. 7C and 7D is formed as one loop, fromseveral pieces of flat stock formed as a single support loop, which isriveted to the top rung, an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention could have multiple support rails independently attached tothe top rung. For example, four pieces of flat stock could be used alongthe four sides of the opening of the top rung, with all four sidesindependently fastened to the top rung. Additionally, alternateembodiments of the present invention may have more or fewer flat stockrails.

FIG. 8A is a side cross-sectional view of the top rung of the laddershown in FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrating an alternate embodiment of a storagepouch support system. FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the top rung andstorage pouch illustrated in FIG. 8A. A storage pouch clamp 27 isattached to the bottom rung 12. The upper portion of the storage pouch11 is securely held in place by the storage pouch clamp. In thepresently preferred embodiment the storage pouch clamp is formed as partof the top rung, as for example when the top run is made of an injectionmolded plastic. In an alternate embodiment the storage pouch clam isformed separately from the top rung of the ladder and securely fastenedto the ladder, for example, by screws, bolts, rivets, interlockingchannels, adhesives, etc.

FIG. 9A is a side cross-sectional view of the top rung of the laddershown in FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrating an alternate embodiment of a storagepouch support system. FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the top rung andstorage pouch shown in FIG. 9A. The storage pouch 11 is secured to thetop rung 12 by a series of tacks, or small nails 28. The upper portionof the storage pouch is nailed against the top rung. As appreciated byone of ordinary skill in the art, the number and spacing of the tacks ornails is such that the weight of items supported in the storage pouchdoes not result in tearing the storage pouch resulting from too fewnails spaced too far apart.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention illustrating a ladder with a removable integrated storage bin.A removable storage bin 30 is securely placed within the top step 31 ofthe ladder 32. The lid 33, when in the open position as shown in FIG.10A, allows access to the contents of the removable storage bin 30.Conversely, when in the down, or closed, position the lid 33 is securelyheld in the closed position by a clasp of latching mechanism 34, therebycreating a secure enclosure for the contents of the removable storagebin. FIG. 10B illustrates the removable storage bin 30 removed from theladder 32. When the storage bin 30 removed a top step opening 35 isshown where the removable storage bin may be placed. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C lid 33 is securely attached to theremovable storage bin 30.

FIG. 10C is a side-cross sectional view of the ladder and storage bin asshown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, illustrating the details of theinterconnection between the removable storage bin 30 and the top step 31of the ladder 32. Storage bin supports 36 are integrated as part of thetop step 31 such that when the removable storage bin 30 is placed in thetop step opening 35, support flanges 37 of the removable storage bin 30rest on the storage bin supports 36. The storage bin supports 36 areplaced on at least two opposing sides of the top step opening 35 toallow the weight of the removable storage bin 30 to be evenly supportedto securely hold the storage bin in place within the top step 31 of theladder 32. A storage bin handle 38 is securely attached to the top ofthe lid 33. While the presently preferred embodiment utilizes storagebin supports on all four sides of the rectangular top step opening 35,alternate embodiments could use more or fewer storage bin supports toaccommodate the shape, size, and weight of the storage bin (and itscontents). For example, the rectangular opening illustrated in FIG. 10Bcould use two storage bin supports at either the front and back of thestop step opening (corresponding to the front and back of the ladder,respectively), or it could have the storage bin supports placed on thetwo sides of the rectangular opening. Additionally, the storage binsupports need not extend along then entire side of top step opening.

While the above example used only one removable storage bin, alternateembodiments of the present invention could have multiple removablestorage bins to meet the needs of the application of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention illustrating a ladder with a removable integrated storage binformed to contain liquids. The storage bin 40 is cylindrical in shape,similar in size and shape to a paint can. FIG. 11B illustrates theremovable liquid storage bin 40 removed from the ladder 42. The top step41 includes a lid 43 hinged (hinge not shown) to open to reveal thecontents of the storage bin 40. The lid 43 includes a sealing flange 44on the side of the lid facing the storage bin when the lid is in theclosed position. The sealing flange designed to seal the storage binwhen the lid is in the closed position, providing a secure sealedcontainer for paint or other liquids. The removable liquid storage bin40 rests in a top step opening 45 formed to accommodate the shape andsize of the removable liquid storage bin. A removable liquid storage binflange 46 on the removable liquid storage bin contacts the removableliquid storage bin supports to securely hold the removable liquidstorage bin in the ladder. The removable liquid storage bin may alsoinclude a lid to provide a liquid tight seal for transporting liquids inthe removable liquid storage bin.

While the above example used only one liquid storage bin, alternateembodiments of the present invention could have multiple liquid storagebins to meet the needs of the application of the present invention.

While the removable liquid storage bin above was removable, alternateembodiments could have the liquid storage bin fixed within the ladder.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the laddershown in FIGS. 2-3. A drill bit holder 50 is securely attached to theunderside (the side of the integrated lid facing the interior of thestorage bin 11 when the lid is in the closed position) of the integratedlid 13. The drill bit holder is positioned to allow easy placement andremoval of drill bits while a workman is standing on the ladder, withthe lid in the open position. When the integrated lid is in the down, orclosed position, the drill bit holder is secured within the storage bin.Within the storage bin of the ladder are storage pockets 51. In thepresently preferred embodiment, the storage pockets are attached to theouter walls of the storage bin. In the preferred embodiment, the storagebin is the storage pouch as described in connection with FIGS. 2-3, andthe storage pockets are made from a durable canvas material and aresecurely attached to the storage pouch. In the preferred embodiment, thestorage pouches have open tops and closed bottoms, to securely holditems such as nails, screws, wrenches, etc. Alternate embodiment of thepresent invention could have storage loops, similar to the storagepockets except that the bottom is open in addition to the top beingopen. Storage loops are particularly adapted to securely hold items suchas hammers, etc. Alternate embodiments of the present invention couldhave the storage pockets having a closing mechanism to securely closethe contents of the pocket, including zippers, snaps, buttons and loop,Velcro™ or flaps secured by any of the prior listed securing systems.Additionally, storage pockets or storage loops could be formed fromother materials, such as plastic, nylon, vinal or other materials,depending upon the application of the storage system and the expectedcontents.

Alternate embodiments of the present invention could have holdersattached to the underside of the lid to hold other tools or items inaddition to, or in place of, the drill bit holder. For example, a holdercould be adapted to hold screwdrivers, paint brushes, consumables suchas fuses, nails or screws, or other items.

While the storage pocket embodiment shown above is the only embodimentin the present application including a holder on the underside of thelid, alternate embodiment of the present invention could include aholder with other configurations of the storage bin.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the laddershown in FIGS. 2-3. Within the storage bin of the ladder are storagedividers 55 and 56. The storage dividers divide the main bin intosub-bins to allow tools, equipment and other items to be organizedwithin the storage compartment. As shown in FIG. 13, dividers 55 and 56divide the storage bin from the front of the bin, the area of the bincloses to a workman standing on the ladder, to the rear of the bin.Dividers 55 extends from the front of the storage bin (the side of thebin closest to a user standing on the steps of the ladder) to the rearof the storage bin, and divides the storage bin into side by sidecompartments. Divider 56 extends across the storage bin and divides thestorage bin into front and rear compartments. Alternate embodiments ofthe present invention could have more or fewer dividers, and more orfewer corresponding compartments. The compartments could be of varyingsize and shape, and need not be square or rectangular, but may be shapedto accommodate the items to be stored in the storage bin. Additionally,alternate embodiments of the present invention could have the dividersformed from canvas, or other flexible materials, depending upon thedesired use of the present invention.

The divided storage bin embodiment shown in FIG. 13 can be combined withother embodiments of the present invention to meet the stage and workneeds of the intended application. For example, the divided storage binof FIG. 13 may be combined with the removable storage bin of FIGS.10A-10C, or may be combined with the storage pockets shown in FIG. 12.Other combinations, between the embodiments of the present invention arealso possible, depending on the particular needs of the application ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 14A-B provides a perspective view of an alternate embodiment ofthe present invention. In FIG. 14A a storage tray 61 is shown integratedinto the storage bin of the ladder 60. The storage tray is connected tothe storage bin 11 by storage tray supports 62. The storage traysupports of the present embodiment pivot on either end to allow thestorage tray to swing up and back to reveal the contents of the storagebin. The storage tray 61 may have dividers or other storage systems suchas holders, closable bins, etc. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14A thestorage tray has dividers 63 arranged to create storage areas ofdifferent sizes (or of different shapes) for small items and largeritems. A lid 13 is attached to the top step 12 and closes securely whenthe storage tray is in the down, or lowered, position.

FIG. 14B illustrates an alternate embodiment of the integrated storagetray embodiment having multiple storage trays 61. A second, upperstorage tray 64 is attached to the lower storage tray by tray supports62. The tray supports are connected on one end to the upper storagetray, and on one end to the lower storage tray, thereby securelyfastening the upper storage tray to the ladder, the lower storage traybeing securely attached to the ladder by tray supports attaching on oneend to the lower storage tray and on one end to the ladder. As with thetray supports of FIG. 14A, the tray supports 62 are rotatably attachedat both ends, to allow the upper tray to swing to provide access to thelower tray, and to the storage bin below the lower tray.

While the presently preferred embodiment of the storage tray exampleshown in FIGS. 14A-14B use stays which are rotatably attached to boththe storage tray and either another storage tray or to the ladder,alternate embodiments of the present invention could use other systemsto allow the trays to swing away to provide access to the contents ofthe storage bin (or to provide access to another storage tray).

While the storage trays shown in FIGS. 14A-14B are securely attached tothe ladder, alternate embodiments of the present invention could haveremovable storage trays, either with or without the mechanism to swingthe storage trays to provide access to the contents of the storage bin.

FIG. 15A provides a perspective view of an alternate latching mechanismembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15B provides an expandedperspective view of the ladder and latching mechanism shown in FIG. 15A,illustrating the latch and top lid of the ladder in the open position.FIG. 15C is an expanded side cross-sectional view of the latchingmechanism shown in FIG. 15A. A sliding latch 71 slides to cover alatching tab 72 of the lid 13 of the top step 12 of the ladder 70. Whenthe sliding latch covers the latching tab of the lid (when in the lockedposition as shown in FIG. 15A) the lid is securely held in the closedposition. When the sliding latch is slid back to uncover the latchingtab of the top lid (when the sliding latch is in the unlocked, or openposition as shown in FIG. 15B) the lid is free to open. The slidinglatch is fixed to the top step of the ladder in a manner to allow thelatch to slide between the locked and unlocked positions, therebyexposing or covering the latching tab of the top lid.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention where the storage bin 11 is integrated into a lower step 75 ofthe ladder 76. A lid 77 is integrated as part of the lower step 75. Thelid may have a sliding lock latching mechanism, or other type oflatching mechanism to hold the lid securely closed. While the embodimentshown in FIG. 16 has the storage bin integrated with the second stepfrom the top of the ladder, alternate embodiments could have the storagebin integrated into any of the steps of the ladder. Additionally, thepresent invention allows for more than one storage pouch to beintegrated into the ladder, and allows for multiple steps on a givenladder to have integrated storage pouches.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention having a flap-closure system. The storage pouch 11 is attachedto the underside of the top step 81 of the ladder 80. The storage pouchhas an opening 82 in the front of the ladder, to allow access to thecontents of the storage pouch. A storage pouch flap 83 covers theopening of the storage pouch 11. The storage pouch flap may be securelyclosed by snaps 84, or by other closure systems such as a zipper, buttonand loop, or other closure devices.

The embodiments described above typically had one or two rungs, orsteps, for purposes of describing the present invention. Actualimplementations of the present invention could be on ladders with onlyone run (the top rung) or with many rungs, depending on the particularapplication of the present invention.

The invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled inthe art that it is possible to embody the invention in specific formsother than those of the preferred embodiments described above. This maybe done without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Thus, the preferred embodiment is merely illustrative and should not beconsidered restrictive in any way. The scope of the invention is givenby the appended claims, rather than the preceding description, and allvariations and equivalents which fall within the range of the claims areintended to be embraced therein.

1. A ladder having an integrated storage compartment, comprising: atleast one step, securely attached to support legs; a storage bin,securely attached to one of the steps; wherein the storage bin islocated below the attached step.
 2. The ladder of claim 1, furthercomprising: a storage compartment lid, movably attached to the step ofthe ladder attached to the storage bin, said lid movably attached toallow opening and closing of the storage bin.
 3. The ladder of claim 2,wherein the storage compartment lid is movably attached to the step witha hinge.
 4. The ladder of claim 3, further comprising: a latch tabattached to the lid; a sliding latch slidably attached to the step suchthat when the sliding latch is in an open position the lid may be raisedfrom, or lower to, the closed position, and such that when the slidinglatch is in a closed position the sliding latch blocks the lid latch tabpreventing the lid from being opened.
 5. The ladder of claim 1, whereinthe storage compartment is formed from a flexible material to form astorage pouch.
 6. The ladder of claim 5, wherein the storage pouch issupported by clamming the upper portion of the flexible material with asupport clamp securely fixed to the step of the ladder.
 7. The ladder ofclaim 6, wherein the support clamp is formed as an integral part of thestep.
 8. The ladder of claim 5, wherein the storage pouch is supportedby a rail support system.
 9. The ladder of claim 8, wherein the railsupport system is formed from a rail loop, the rail loop supported byrail loop supports, said rail loop supports securely fixed to the step.10. The ladder of claim 8, therein the rail support is formed from flatrails, and wherein the flat rails are attached to the step by rivets.11. The ladder of claim 8, wherein the rail support system consists ofat least two support rails, the support rails being securely attached tothe ladder by a rail support on either end of the support rail.
 12. Theladder of claim 5, further including at least one storage pocketattached to the storage pouch such that the storage pocket is in theinterior of the storage pouch.
 13. The ladder of claim 3, furthercomprising a holder attached to the underside lid in such manner thatthe holder is on the inside of storage bin when the lid is in the closedposition.
 14. The ladder of claim 1, further comprising at least onedivider, said divider attached to the storage bin such that the storagebin is segregated into two or more separate bins.
 15. The ladder ofclaim 1, further comprising a storage tray formed to fit inside thestorage bin.
 16. The ladder of claim 1, further comprising: a storagetray formed to fit inside the storage bin; and at least one storage traysupport attached to the ladder; wherein the storage tray support isattached to the storage tray.
 17. The ladder of claim 1, furthercomprising: a first storage tray, at least one additional storage tray,formed to fit inside the storage bin; and at least one storage traysupport attached to the first storage tray; wherein the storage traysupport is attached to the first storage tray.
 18. A ladder for use witha removable storage bin, comprising: at least one step for supportingthe foot of a person; a plurality of legs attached to the at least onestep, the attached legs proving support for the at least one step;wherein at least one of the steps forms a storage bin support such thata removable storage bin may be placed within the support formed by thestep and securely supported by the storage bin support step.
 19. Theladder of claim 18, wherein at the at least one storage bin step is thetop step of the ladder.
 20. The ladder of claim 18, wherein the supportstep is formed such that when a storage bin is placed in the supportstep the upper surface of the support step and the upper surface of thestorage bin form a step suitable for use by a person using the ladder.21. The ladder of claim 19, wherein the support step is formed such thatwhen a storage bin is placed in the support step the upper surface ofthe support step and the upper surface of the storage bin form a stepsuitable for use by a person using the ladder.
 22. The ladder of claim18, further comprising: a removable storage bin, wherein the removablestorage bin includes at least one divider, said divider attached to thestorage bin such that the storage bin is segregated into two or moreseparate bins.
 23. The ladder of claim 18, further comprising aremovable storage bin, wherein the removable storage bin includes astorage tray formed to fit inside the storage bin.
 24. The ladder ofclaim 18, further comprising: a removable storage bin, wherein theremovable storage bin includes, a storage tray formed to fit inside thestorage bin; and at least one storage tray support attached to theladder; wherein the storage tray support is attached to the storagetray.
 25. The ladder of claim 18, further comprising: a removablestorage bin, wherein the removable storage bin includes, a first storagetray, at least one additional storage tray, formed to fit inside thestorage bin; and at least one storage tray support attached to the firststorage tray; wherein the storage tray support is attached to the firststorage tray.
 26. A removable storage compartment for use with a ladder,the ladder having at least one step securely attached to a plurality oflegs, the legs of the ladder attached to the step in a manner to providesupport to a foot of a person, the step having at least one storage binsupport, comprising: a container shed to hold items, wherein thecontainer ha an opening to provide access to the interior of thecontainer, and a support flange attached to said container, the supportflange extending from said container, wherein the support flange isformed to rest on a storage bin support to securely support theremovable storage bin, the storage bin support attached to the step ofthe ladder to contact the support flange and provide support to theremovalbe storage bin.
 27. The removable storage bin of claim 26,wherein the removable storage bin includes a storage tray formed to fitinside the storage bin.
 28. The removable storage bin of claim 26,further comprising: a storage tray formed to fit inside the storage bin;and at least one storage tray support attached to the ladder; whereinthe storage tray support is attached to the storage tray.
 29. Theremovable storage bin of claim 26, further comprising: a storagecompartment lid, movably attached to the container, said lid movablyattached to allow opening and closing of the storage bin.
 30. Theremovable storage bin of claim 29, wherein the storage compartment lidis movably attached to the container with a hinge.
 31. The removablestorage bin of claim 30, further comprising: a latch tab attached to thelid; a sliding latch slidably attached to the container such that whenthe sliding latch is in an open position the lid may be raised from, orlower to, the closed position, and such that when the sliding latch isin a closed position the sliding latch blocks the lid latch tabpreventing the lid from being opened.